FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your refund policy?

Receipt of payment reserves your place in a class. We recommend that all students arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Students not in attendance at the scheduled start time will forfeit their seat and deposit. If it is necessary for you to cancel or reschedule, you must notify our office 48 hours in advance of the class start time to be considered for a transfer or refund of your deposit. Please note that only one transfer is allowed per student. If a student does not show up for class, arrives late, or does not complete the course, the student cannot receive a refund of their deposit.

To cancel your registration or transfer to another class, please call (618) 453-2877 Monday-Friday 8am-12noon or 1pm-4:30pm 48 hours in advance of your scheduled class time.

How much does it cost?

All of the courses are free of charge but do require a $20 refundable deposit to guarantee your seat in a class. If you do not wish to make the $20 deposit you may elect to be a "walk-in" and simply show up for a course at the scheduled time and location and if there are seats available they will be given away on a first come first serve basis.

What class should I take?

In order to determine which class you should take you have to first identify your objectives. What do you want to get out of the class? If you want a license waiver, have limited to no riding experience, or it has been more than a year or two since you have ridden on a regular basis, then you should only consider the BRC. If you are someone who has been riding regularly in the last two years, or has been riding off road regularly, the BRC 2 or BRC will fit your needs and both are good for the license waiver. If you own your own motorcycle and already have your license, then the ARC is probably the best fit for you. If you own a scooter and want to ride it during the class, that is allowed, but with some restrictions.

Am I eligible to take the class?

You must be at least 16 years of age, (18 for BRC 2) be either a temporary or permanent resident of Illinois, and possess a valid learner's permit or license for some form of motor vehicle. For riders with at least a year of riding experience that have their own motorcycle and hold a valid motorcycle license, we also offer Advanced Rider Courses (ARC).

Do I need to sign a waiver?

You will need to sign several waivers.

If you are 18+ or if you have a parent /legal guardian with you in person at the start of the class, printed waivers will be provided.
For 16 & 17 year old students who will not have a parent or legal guardian with them at the start of the first session, you must have the waiver signatures notorized before you will be admitted to the class. The forms are attached to your registration confirmation email or requested for potential walk-in students by contacting our main office. (618) 453-2877 or ridered@siu.edu

What if I have a special need?

Individuals with disabilities are asked to contact us prior to registering at (618) 453-2877 for information about special accommodations.

What do I need to bring to the class?

You will need to bring a your valid driver's license (no photos or copies) as well as your protective clothing that includes the following:

Helmet - provided or you may use your own (DOT approved) (3/4 or full face for BRC and BRC 2)
Footwear - sturdy and over the ankle (Not cloth or canvas)
Long Pants - denim or heavy material
Gloves - full fingered, leather preferred
Long Sleeved Jacket or Shirt - wrist length of denim or heavy material
Eye Protection - sunglasses or prescription lenses for your convenience

Do I need a motorcycle?

BRC, BRC 2: No, our program provides motorcycles, helmets, and professional instruction.

ARC: Yes, you will need to provide your own motorcycle for the course.

What if I don't show up for class or I'm late?

A walk-in student will be admitted to class in your place and you will lose your seat and deposit. This is very important. Because demand for the classes is high, punctuality is required. If you are late for any reason, you will forfeit your seat in the class as well as your deposit.

Do I get a motorcycle license when I'm done with class?

Those who successfully complete the BRC or BRC 2 will be issued a completion card by mail that will waive both the written and riding tests at the Secretary of State's office. (This card is not a license and cannot be used as such.) Presenting this card means you won't be required to do any additional testing once you get there, but you must still go to the Secretary of State's office to get your Motorcycle Classification added to your license.

What kinds of things are covered in class?

Basic riding skills like starting, stopping, turning, and shifting. Strategies for street riding. Advanced techniques in turning, braking, and swerving. The curriculum that is used is one that was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and more information about it can be found on their website.

What if I'm not really interested in buying a motorcycle?

Non-motorcyclists can benefit from these courses by learning on a first-hand basis what a motorcyclist experiences and the necessity for developing respect for all vehicles on the highway.

How long are the classes?

The BRC consists of 20 hours of instruction, usually 6-9:30pm Friday, 8am-6pm Saturday and Sunday. The BRC 2 consists of approximately 12 hours of instruction, usually 1 1/2 days.
The ARC consists of 8 hours of instruction, usually 9am-6pm.

What if it rains?

Our classes meet rain or shine, so if it rains bring rain gear. If there is lightning nearby or other weather that represents a safety risk the instructors may make the decision to cancel class or modify the schedule somewhat. If class is canceled, the student will have the option of transferring to the next available class, or getting a refund of their deposit.

What if I am not able to register online with a credit card?

Please contact our office at (618) 453-2877 for help with troubleshooting this issue. Many times errors can be resolved by using a different browser or device. Note: We are not able to take reservations over the phone.

Where is the course that is closest to me?

The following meeting locations are typical, but may change from time-to-time. Please verify by calling our office.

QRA=Quincy Regional Airport - 1645 Illinois 104 Classes meet in the conference room
JHS=Jacksonville High School - 1211 N. Diamond St. Jacksonville, IL. 62650 Classes meet in room 726 at the northwest corner of the High School
LCC=Lewis and Clark Community College - 5800 Godfrey Rd. Godfrey Il Classes meet in the Math Building room MA107
LIT=Litchfield Armory - 1617 N. Jefferson St. Litchfield, IL. Classes meet in the armory classroom.
SIE=Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 1 Hairpin Dr. Edwardsville Il Classes meet in Peck Hall
KCC=Kaskaskia Central College - 27210 College Rd. Classes will meet at the Wedekemper Board Room in the Lifelong Learning Center
SIC=Southern Illinois University Carbondale - 1435 Douglas Dr. Carbondale Il Classes meet in room 101 in the Safety Center
CCA=Coles County Memorial Airport - 144 Airport Rd. Mattoon Il Classes meet in the 911 Building at the airport
EFF=Effingham Armory - 1206 West Temple Avenue Effingham, IL Classes meet in the armory classroom
OCC=Olney Central College - 305 North West Street Olney, IL
WVC=Wabash Valley College - 2200 College Dr. Mt. Carmel Il Classes will meet in Main Hall room 101 on the WVC campus.
SWC=Southwestern Illinois College - 2500 Carlyle Ave. Belleville Il Classes meet in the Main Complex room 1411